Funny fiction Archives - Over The River PR

A successful journalist returns to her hometown just as her biggest mistake becomes headline news in this vibrant, funny, and heartfelt novel about facing the past, and its secrets, head-on.

“Family & Other Calamities delivers exactly what I want when I sit down to read a novel. It has genuinely memorable characters, a fresh voice that kept me reading, lines that made me laugh out loud, and scenes that brought me to tears.” ―James Patterson, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“a romp that plumbs emotional depths of family ties and what we sacrifice to follow our dreams. Streeter’s debut novel (succeeding the memoir, Black Widow, 2020) is a winner.” ―Booklist

“Family & Other Calamities is about love in many forms―family, friendship, and standing up for what is yours. Dawn Roberts is a funny and charming character you will want to root for. Streeter’s signature humor and charisma shine bright in this bighearted debut.” ―Karin Slaughter, New York Times and #1 international bestselling author

“A compelling story of truth, justice, and the American way. Leslie Streeter understands both the news business and the heartbreak business.” ―Josh Mankiewicz, correspondent for Dateline NBC

“Leslie Streeter’s dialogue is delightful. Even when the good times slam into bad times, her heroine holds on to her sense of humor and you won’t want to leave her side. As a bonus, this novel offers deep wisdom about being a journalist, so not only will you laugh―and be moved―but you will also learn how to be a better writer.” ―Nell Scovell, author of Just the Funny Parts

“Family & Other Calamities is vintage Leslie Gray Streeter: hilariously funny, and with a powerful emotional punch. It’s a deep study in the gifts we get from the people we love the most, even when we don’t always like them.” ―Jen Lancaster, New York Times bestselling author of Housemoms

An award-winning journalist and columnist for the Baltimore Banner, Leslie Gray Streeter knows a thing or two about chasing down a good story and scoring in-depth interviews with celebrities. In FAMILY & OTHER CALAMITIES (Lake Union Publishing; June 1, 2025), she has tapped into her years of experience in the biz to create a riotous, emotionally relatable novel about a Black woman journalist who is going through it all – grief, betrayal, family drama, long buried secrets, and so many carbs.

Fans of Jasmine Guillory, Candice Carty-Williams, and Dolly Alderton will delight in Gray Streeter’s fiction debut with a tell-it-like-it-is protagonist, an eclectic cast of endearing characters, and a wildly entertaining story you won’t soon forget.

To celebrate the publication of FAMILY & OTHER CALAMITIES, we are hosting a virtual book tour throughout June featuring this fabulous roster of book influencers. Follow along for plenty of laughs, reviews, excerpts, and GIVEAWAYS!

Monday, June 2 – WE LOVE BIG BOOKS AND WE CANNOT LIE

Monday, June 2 – MY BURSTING BOOK BAG

Tuesday, June 3 – CASSIE’S BOOK REVIEWS

Tuesday, June 3 – STOREYBOOK REVIEWS

Wednesday, June 4 – DIVE INTO A GOOD BOOK

Thursday, June 5 – BOOKS N BIKRAM

Friday, June 6 – KIM READS AND READS

Saturday, June 7 – BOOKPHILE BELLE

Sunday, June 8 – PURRFECT PAGES

Sunday, June 8 – LOVE MY DANE DOLLY

Monday, June 9 – BOOKS AND COFFEE MX

Tuesday, June 10 – KATIE NEEDS A BIGGER BOOKSHELF